Based on Jonathan Franzen’s acclaimed book, the story revolves around the troubles of a Midwestern couple (Chris Cooper, Dianne Wiest) and their three adult children as they trace their lives from the mid-20th century to “one last Christmas” together near the turn of the millennium.

Gyllenhaal would play the youngest sibling, a chef named Denise. Norris would play the older brother, a successful but depressed and alcoholic banker.

Ewan McGregor plays middle child Chip, a journalist and wannabe screenwriter who works for a Lithuanian crime boss (Ifans) defrauding American investors. Gerwig would play Chip’s soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend.

Baumbach and Franzen co-wrote the pilot while Baumbach is set to direct.